In the news

A quick look at news stories this week featuring Bloomberg Cities’ programs and partners.

The city of Bellevue, Wash., a member of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities program, has named Sabra Schneider as chief information officer. Schneider will spearhead projects focusing on open data, public Wi-Fi, and smart cities. “I’m honored to lead the Information Technology Department, and I look forward to continuing to work with the exceptional professionals in the department and in the city,” Schneider said. (StateScoop)

Earlier this week, Minot, N.D., successfully launched its local Adopt-A-Lot program, which turns vacant and unused lots into community gardens, public art display areas, and public parks, among other things. The city, a member of Cities of Service, is joined by nine organizations. Some of the involved groups have agreed to donate everything they grow in their adopted lot to local food pantries. (Minot Daily News)

Are you passionate about data and local government? Anchorage, Alaska, is looking for a design strategist and a data analyst to join its Innovation Team. Housed in city hall, the i-team works across several departments and deploy a range of strategies, including quantitative and qualitative research and design-based innovation to address the city’s most pressing problems to improve quality of life for residents.